Fury (roller coaster)
Fury 325 is a giga coaster located at Carowinds amusement park in Charlotte, North Carolina. Manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), it opened to the public on March 28, 2015. The ride is themed after the hornet, reflecting Charlotte's history after the insect.
Characteristics: Fury 325 is characterized by its significant height (325 feet) and speed (up to 95 mph), making it the tallest and fastest giga coaster in North America upon its opening. The coaster features a high-speed cable lift hill, followed by an 81-degree first drop. The ride includes several overbanked turns, airtime hills, and a 190-foot-tall barrel roll.
Ride Experience: The ride begins with a slow ascent up the extremely tall lift hill, offering panoramic views of the park and surrounding area. Upon cresting the lift hill, riders experience a steep and rapid descent, building up substantial speed. The rest of the ride is a blur of high-speed maneuvers, including intense positive and negative G-forces. Key elements include a dive loop under the station, several high-speed turns close to the ground, and significant airtime moments.
Impact and Reception: Fury 325 has been highly praised by coaster enthusiasts and critics alike. It has consistently ranked among the top steel roller coasters in the world in various polls and rankings. Its combination of height, speed, and intensity makes it a major draw for Carowinds and a significant attraction for the amusement park industry. The coaster is credited with increasing attendance and enhancing Carowinds' reputation as a top-tier amusement park.
Incidents: While generally regarded as safe, Fury 325 experienced an incident in June 2023 where a support pillar showed a visible crack. The ride was immediately shut down, and inspections revealed a fracture. The ride remained closed for repairs and re-opened in August 2023 after the damaged pillar was replaced and safety checks were completed. This incident led to increased scrutiny and inspections of other coasters worldwide.
Awards and Recognition: Fury 325 has received several accolades since its opening. It has consistently ranked highly in the annual Golden Ticket Awards, often appearing in the top five steel roller coasters.